NB students learn from alumni

New Brockton High School students learned about success after high school from former students from the past 26 years.

A common theme between all the speakers was that of job shadowing, internships and building a good resume with experience of some kind.

Kendra Cole, a 2002 NBHA graduate and assistant manager of Neptune, said that internships or co-operative program can help with applying for full-time jobs after college.

"Piece of advice. Once you get to college, if you can, (try to) intern or co-op," Cole said. "It's definitely good for a resume when you're going for a full-time job."

Sonya Hornsby, a 2005 graduate and a technical recruiter for the E-group, said that taking advantage of every type of opportunity available is key to success after high school.

"The importance of working hard, the importance of taking every opportunity that you have, is so huge." Hornsby said. "(This is) coming from someone that is now looking at resumes, talking to people and actually helping them find a job. As long as you apply yourself, and go and be your best self, then you're going to go far in life."

Ashley Jeffers, a 2002 graduate and an appraiser with Alabama AG Credit Union, echoed Cole's advice, saying that involvement in activities can help ensure success and happiness after school.

"Success can look like many different things," Jeffers said. "In this small school, you get to participate in a wide variety of activities. Participate in those activities that you get something from, or that you think may add up and continue to do what you may want to do for the rest of your life."

Judge Shannon Clark, a 1989 graduate and presiding judge of the 12th Judicial Circuit, which includes Coffee and Pike counties, said that job shadowing can also help ensure success and happiness in a job and career.

"The most important thing you're going to take away from this high school and what your teachers will instill in you is a work ethic," Clark said. "It doesn't matter if you're a welder, a judge, a doctor or anything in between, whatever area that you're interested in, seek out somebody that works that profession."

Drew Donaldson, a 2005 graduate and an oncology pharmacist with Sacred Heart Medical Oncology Group, said, like all the speakers, that he believed NBHS gave him the foundation for his success in his job.

"I really learned how to care for people and be sociable and talk to people by coming from a small school," Donaldson said.